Central Baptist Church

Learning Community Class - Winter 1997

The On Line Church

Religious Discussions on the Internet

Religious Mailing Lists

• BELIEF-L: Belief-L exists as a free-form conference for the discussion, debate and discourse on beliefs--specifically, those held on a personal level. It is not however intended to be a forum for the proselytization of a particular religion and/or it s dogma.
• DIFTX-L: This list has been created to open up a tolerant, respectful dialogue between the many different varieties of Christianity that exist out there in the "real world". The one absolute requirement will be a loving respect underlying the entire discussion: no flame-wars or scream-fests here!. To maintain some semblance of order, the list is now moderated, though if this proves superfluous or unnecessary that may be dropped.
• ESA-L: Unmoderated discussion sponsored by Evangelicals for Social Action
• RELIGCOM: A forum for the scholarly discussion of issues related to religious communication and communication in religious contexts. This forum focuses on the study of messages of religious content or intent and on the communication processes in relig ious ritual, education and persuasive attempts. This discussion group is open to members of all religions and scholarly disciplines. Inter-religious dialogue and cross- disciplinary discussion is encouraged.
• RELIGION: A list for the scholarly discussion of religions. It is sponsored by the Harvard Center for the Study of World Religions. Unlike lists with similar names, RELIGION does not deal with matters of personal faith or theology. Rather, it's aim is to encourage discussion of the historical and comparative study and teaching of religions. Relevant approaches include history, sociology, psychology, philosophy, literary criticism, and anthropology. Relevant issues include methodology in the study and teaching of religions; comparative themes such as myth, mysticism, community, and inter-religious contact; and issues specific to particular traditions.
• SSREL-L: This list is devoted to the scientific study of religion, that is to say, the study of religion by scholars of various disciplines, for example, the psychology of religion.
• BIBLE: This is an electronic conference designed to provide a forum for anyone interested in learning to study the Bible. Anyone interested in studying the Bible together is invited to subscribe, but the list will assume that the participants consider the Bible authoritative.
• CHRISTLIT: This is an open, moderated discussion list featuring the interrelations between Christianity and Literature. The list will maintain a relationship with the Conference on Christianity and Literature and has among its purposes increasing a sense of community among subscribers. It is not intended for theological dispute. Items likely to be discussed include: new scholarship, commentary, and queries; conference/meeting announcements; ideas for teaching literary texts with an awareness of their relation to the Christian tradition; critical perspectives and theories informed by Christianity,
• ECOTHEOL: A forum for discussion of ecological theology. The goal of the list is to enable academic discussion of environmental issues from a theological or ethical perspective. Open to all traditions, contributions are welcome from those in other dis ciplines, including philosophy and the social sciences.
• FEMREL-L: A discussion and resource group concerning women and religion, and feminist theology. Our goal is open, stimulating exchange on any issues pertaining to these topics. All religions, creeds, beliefs, and opinions are welcome, although we ask that participants respect differences.
• KOINONIA: A forum for the discussion of Christian ecumenical dialogue.
• RELIGIOUS-PLURALISM: The aim of this list is to facilitate a discussion of contemporary issues relating to the Christian theology of world religions. Particular attention will be on religious pluralism and inter-religious dialogue. The list is open to contributors from any perspective.
• BAPTIST: This list is open to the discussion of all topics relating to Baptist experience. Both professional, scholarly, and lay contributors are welcome.
• CHRISTIA: A list concerned with practical Christian life.
• APAR-L: This list is dedicated to sharing information of all approved apparitions by the Catholic Church, and all reputable on-going apparitions, that are not contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• LEADERSHIP: This is a mailing list intended for Christian leaders. This "Leadership forum" is an excellent opportunity for Christian leaders to share various concerns and problems. Christians from around the world can help problem solve and offer sugg estions, insights, and advice. Leadership forum is a place where leaders can share the struggles their personal struggles and have other leaders pray and offer help. Lastly, Leadership forum is a place where leaders can share various Christian resources that are available to help others with their ministries.
• LUTI: Forum for gay and lesbian Christians
• To see even more mail lists and for subscription information see the Web Page containing list of religious mailing lists

Religious Newsgroups

• alt.christnet
• alt.christnet.bible
• alt.christnet.philosophy
• alt.christnet.theology
• soc.religion.christian
• soc.religion.christian.bible-study

Of course, there are chat rooms on AOL (Keyword: Religion for chat groups and other religious resources) and discussions on other on line services.

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